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Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Axe Lake, MN
- How big is Bad Axe Lake?
- How deep is Bad Axe Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Bad Axe Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Bad Axe Lake area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Bad Axe Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Bad Axe Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Bad Axe Lake?
How big is Bad Axe Lake?
How deep is Bad Axe Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Bad Axe Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Mottled Sculpin, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Bad Axe Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Bad Axe Lake?
Explore the Bad Axe Lake area in a RV
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Laporte, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Bad Axe Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Bad Axe Lake is located in central Hubbard County, north of the town of Emmaville. Bad Axe has a surface area of 271 acres and a maximum depth of 39 feet. There is no public access. Bad Axe provides angling opportunities for northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Bad Axe is in lake class 25. Other area lakes in this same class include Big Mantrap, Little Mantrap, Eagle, Island, Belle Taine, and Spider.
Present and past surveys have shown that the northern pike population in Bad Axe fluctuates from low to moderate numbers. Northern pike abundance (2.0 pike/gillnet) was below the range "typical" for this lake class. Surveys from 1982 to 2000 had higher northern pike abundance, with gillnet catch rates fluctuating within the range "typical" for this lake class. Anglers will find that the proportion of large northern pike (> 28.0 inches) is high when compared to other area lakes. Northern pike exhibited fast growth rates when compared to other class 25 lakes. Muskellunge are present in Bad Axe and have been sampled in past surveys in low numbers. Bad Axe was stocked with muskellunge by the DNR from 1950 to 1969. Private, permitted stockings of muskellunge were done in 2002, 2005, and 2007 by the lake association. Success of these muskellunge stockings is unknown, as angler reports have been very limited.
Bad Axe has an abundant panfish population of black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Present and past surveys have shown black crappie and bluegill abundance to be above the range "typical" for this lake class. Anglers will find a healthy black crappie population with fish in the 9-12 inch size range. Bluegill and pumpkinseed tend to run smaller, with fish in the 6-8 inch size range. Yellow perch are also abundant in Bad Axe; however, average size is small (7.2 inches). A few larger yellow perch are present with perch measured up to 11.3 inches.
Both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are present in Bad Axe, with largemouth bass being the more abundant of the two species. No specialized sampling for bass such as spring electrofishing has been conducted on Bad Axe. Largemouth bass catch rates with gillnets and trapnets are above the range "typical" for this lake class, similar to past surveys. Smallmouth bass were not sampled in 2010, but have been sampled in past surveys in low numbers. Bad Axe has good water quality, submerged and emergent vegetation that provides excellent habitat for bass.
Other species sampled included high numbers of white sucker, and moderate numbers of rock bass and yellow bullhead. Brown bullhead were sampled in low numbers.
What is the average air temp for Bad Axe Lake?
Are there any state parks near Bad Axe Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Bad Axe Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Buck Lake | 1.0 mi | 28 | 48 ft |
| Mantrap Lake | 1.7 mi | 1,618 | 68 ft |
| Stocking Lake | 2.5 mi | 102 | 25 ft |
| Upper Bottle Lake | 3.1 mi | 459 | 55 ft |
| Skunk Lake | 3.2 mi | 218 | 55 ft |
| Pickerel Lake | 3.7 mi | 310 | 26 ft |
| Lower Bottle Lake | 3.8 mi | 641 | 110 ft |
| Dead Lake | 4.4 mi | 131 | 34 ft |
| Ojibway Lake | 4.4 mi | 292 | 34 ft |
| Lake Emma | 4.6 mi | 78 | 50 ft |
